360 degree rotator attachment for exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a weight lifting apparatus having mechanism for assisting in adding a rotational element to the traditional front/back (or flexion and extension) activities during the lifting of weights or other athletic resistance activitiesl. This invention to provides an attachment apparatus that provides a weight holding means that is able to offer 360 degrees of smooth movement which allows complete rotational positionability for use with any stationary or moving resistive weight apparatus. This invention also provids an apparatus wherein the weight holding means also provides a safety measure which can limit the speed of rotation or even stop this motion in the event that the weight is dropped or rotational exertion limits are reached.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise technology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most all exercise equipment focus on movement in a particular direction so as to strengthen muscles by repetitive exertion use. While there are a number of apparatus which allow for a range of motion, still the common focus is on limiting and resisting muscle movement. However, those wishing to increase their ability to enact full range movement while receiving the benefit of muscle resistance exercising will not have their needs be met. There is a real need to be able to offer safe and easy to use exercise equipment that allows for a complete range of movement while offering the traditional weight machine, free weights and any other method which typically offers unidirectional movement, or even movement with a range of motion such as the bow flex equipment or those using band/elastic bands etc. Even non-movable devices such as pullup and pushup bars would be better exercise devices should they offer more movability. Specific of this concern is the ability to create rotational movement while at the same time offering forward/back resistive movement offered by typical exercise devices.

Such resisted forward/back movement of course is fundamental to exercise dynamics where the muscles must strain against a resistive force allowing the muscles to grow stronger. Unfortunately this unidirectional resistive movement is limited in muscle development. Muscles do not develop in a natural looking manner and athletes or those wishing to exercise for a particular combination movement such as pitching a baseball which uses torsion and twisting movements as well as forward and back will not have their needs be met.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for assisting in adding a rotational element to the traditional front/back (or flexion and extension) activities during the lifting of weights.

It is another object of the invention to provide such an attachment apparatus that provides a weight holding means that is able to offer 360 degrees of smooth movement which allows complete rotational positionability for use with any stationary or moving resistive weight apparatus.

It is still another object of the invention to provide such an apparatus wherein the weight holding means also provides a safety measure which can limit the speed of rotation or even stop this motion in the event that the weight is dropped or rotational exertion limits are reached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reading the following more particular description of the invention, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a semi exploded side view of the rotational weight lifting apparatus with a representational sample of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the rotational weight lifting apparatus put together;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the 360 degree smooth movement nature of the apparatus as it is positioned over an exercise bar;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the rotational weight lifting apparatus with a representational sample of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the 360 degree smooth movement nature of the apparatus as it is being used with bench press type free weights;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the 360 degree smooth movement nature of the apparatus as it is being used with a pull up bar;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the 360 degree smooth movement nature of the apparatus as it is being used during push up activities.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the 360 degree smooth movement nature of the apparatus as it is being used on the floor with aerobic standing activities.

FIG. 9 is a representation of an alternative embodiment of a cylinder block rotation device which can be stood on with, or pushed on with the hands or even sat on which would create 360 degree movement for any supported activity.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the rotational weight lifting apparatus of FIG. 9 as shown.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   02 grip or handle -   04 grip side body component -   06 ball bearings (or other smooth rotational vehicle) -   08 attachment side body component -   10 fastening bar or encircling apparatus for attachment to other     exercise equipment -   12 adjustable gripping foot or other mechanism to solidly secure     rotator to other equipment -   14 adjustable mechanism such as a screw type bolt to draw 12 closer     to other equipment -   16 adjustable mechanism handle to allow for manual adjustment of 12     and 14 -   18 a representation of a stationary section of exercise equipment     which provides unidirectional movement (or is stationary) which the     rotator will convert to torsion/twisting 360 degree rotational     movement. -   20 a pad/friction padded platform which replaces 02 during supported     use such as standing -   22 a pad/friction padded platform which replaces 08 during supported     use such as standing on flat surfaces not needing attachment but     rather non sliding stability

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the present invention. This description is not to be taker in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by referencing the appended claims. Nevertheless, taken as a whole, this invention is a direction converter which will convert directional movement and resistance exercise movement and the associated muscular strengthening benefits from stationary, unidirectional or single planar directed exercise activities to those of a rotational direction. Equipment used can be stationary apparatus such as a pullup or pushup bar, weight bench apparatus using straps, cables and bow technology or other flexible resist methods such as cables and wires and pulley systems used in a variety of weight training apparatuses. This invention can be manufactured in two forms, either as a free standing attachment which can readily attach to existing weight training machinery by standard methods such as straps, clamps, and hook and loop fastening devices such as Velcro and the like. In addition said version can be adhesively fastened with a secure adhesive, or can be fundamentally bonded such as in soldering to metal parts. Alternatively, this invention can be created as an integral component in designs of weight training apparatus such that once unilateral or stationary apparatus can now have the benefit of 360 degree rotational capacity.

Regarding direction conversion, when used on stationary apparatus, it is the users muscles and body which moves but the 360 rotator will provide complete circular movement in a single plane. When used with unidirectional apparatus, this invention will provide same circular planar movement but now the added directions (generally perpendicular to movement of rotator) will create a torsion and corkscrew continuous resistance conversion. With apparatus of free range movements such as cables and pulley devices, the corkscrew effect will follow the path and direction of the free ranging movement of the apparatus itself. In addition, the movement is designed to be smooth and continuous and op optionally resistive 360 degree movement capabilities to further offer changeable resistance along the 360 degree circular plane.

FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 10 show perspective views of the rotator apparatus for identification of basic component parts and illustration of the simplicity of the design. Those skilled in the arts of movement technology will doubtless know alternative methods for creating 360 smooth movement which will not wear out over time. It is understood that these illustrations are for functional design awareness and variations and methods to create same will be readily adjustable without affecting the basic design of this invention. However, ball bearings offer a stable controllable means of movement. The rotator mechanism is designed to offer smooth movement through a circular angle. It should be noted that this invention intends to be completely safe, as with any exercise system there is risk of accidents. The rotator mechanism is designed to provide smooth, non-jerky movement. Speed of rotation can be controlled by either tightening or realeasing a progressive attachment connection between the attachment body components 04 and 08, or better with integrally designed speed limiting construction. In addition this rotator apparatus can contain a stop rotation button or switch (not illustrated) which will stop any unwanted rotation with integral brake technologies which can be easily derived using well known braking techniques.

FIGS. 3 and 5 through 9 show variations in design with which this rotator apparatus can be designed. It should be obvious that the rotator needs to be attached to a stationary component of an exercise equipment. This attachment is intended to be solid and fast. The figures illustrated show only one method for locking onto such equipment. Other methods include hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro Brand fastener, straps or other standing locking mechanisms, especially of the type typically used to lock on free weights at athletic gyms (of typed patrons would be comfortable and use to using). Also, this rotator can be permanently fastened such as being welded to a stationary pullup bar mounted against the wall etc. 

1. A Weight lifting apparatus for assisting a weight lifters and athletes in adding 360 degree rotational directional movement to their regular unidirectional weight training activities, comprising: a fastening device which is permanently, or temporarily fastened or is designed of an integrally built in construction changeable 360 degree circular plane resistance for added resistance training along the rotational direction smooth, continuous, non-jerky movement for safe predictable rotation usage a supportive outer including a support and comfort, substance grip base a grip side body component for grip to attach to and for attaching to base or fastening component a ball bearings or other smooth rotational vehicle method for creating 360 movement capabilities to stationary sections of exercise equipment which provide stationary or unidirectional movement which the rotator will convert to torsion/twisting 360 degree rotational movement. an attachment side body component for attachment to opposite grip side of rotator mechanism a fastening bar, encircling apparatus for attachment to other exercise equipment, or a pad/friction padded platform which replaces a handle during supported use such as standing an adjustable gripping foot, pad or other mechanism to solidly secure rotator to other equipment or to a flat planar surface without slipping or a pad/friction padded platform for use with flat planar surfaces such as the floor for use during supported use such as standing an adjustable mechanism such as a screw type bolt to controllably fasten rotator unit to other equipment an adjustable mechanism handle or tool to allow for manual tightening an adjustment mechanism for controlling the speed of circular rotation a safety and a braking mechanism to slow or stop rotation if desired or needed 